- Batteries should be kept in a cool, dry place — ideally around 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Contrary to my grandmother's practice, Duracell and Kodak agree that batteries should not be kept in the freezer. You can store them in a refrigerator, but to prevent condensation you should keep in them a sealed plastic bag. Definitely do not store them in a warm place; this will inhibit their performance.
- Whenever possible, keep your batteries in their original packaging.
- Store batteries with their negative and positive terminals AWAY from each other, so that they're not conducting idly.
- Keep lithium and nickel-based batteries stored at a 40 percent charge.
- Store new and old batteries separately. If you store them together, power will be drawn from the new one, shortening its life.
- Leave any plastic caps on your batteries (like the 9V ones) on until you need to use them.
- If you are not going to be using any battery-operated appliance for a month, remove the appliance's batteries and make sure to store them as stated above.
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